When you want your cocktails to look like the concoction of paradise, drop some dry ice into the glass. But hold on - at minus 109℉, it brings in extremely low temperatures that can be trouble if you don't know what you're doing, whether you're a bartender or a guest.
The use of dry ice in drinks is modern. Chefs and bartenders experimented and realized the allure it adds to the drink. What does it do?
1. It Adds Visual Drama: Smoke coming out of your cocktail is mysterious and majestic at the same time.
2. Cools the Drink Fast: It isn't like regular ice. The drinks get chilled smoothly and in no time.
Using Dry Ice in Cocktails Safely
Can it be done? Yes, absolutely! Dry ice does not float - it sinks to the bottom of the drinks. It won't affect your drink but will serve you the most chilled, perhaps, Honey Ginger Margarita of your life.
Safety Considerations
1. Keep it Open: You should never enclose dry ice in a sealed container because the gas creates pressure, which can explode if kept enclosed.
2. Don't Consume It: Only have a drink with dry ice after the ice has fully evaporated. If you don't want to take the risk, put dry ice in a separate container and serve it alongside the drink to maintain the visual drama without the wait.
3. Burn Hazards: Dry ice requires safety gear and proper handling techniques, as it may cause cold burns on direct skin contact.
You might wonder how it's safe when you're not supposed to consume it. Well, dry ice sinks to the bottom, evaporating in approximately 10 minutes, but not before making your glass of tequila look like it's out of the world! If there remains a stubborn piece that does not evaporate, remove it manually with a spoon, or discard the drink and start over altogether to avoid accidentally swallowing dry ice.
How Does Dry Ice Work?
Dry ice is nothing like the regular ice you'd expect. It has no liquid state - by bypassing the melting stage, it turns into gas straight from solid, creating the smoke that comes out of the drink. As it turns into smoke, it evaporates and disappears, leaving behind a perfectly chilled glass of your favorite drink.
What Drinks Work Best with Dry Ice?
Infused tequila cocktails work best with dry ice. Do not use it with milk or other dairy products. But you can add them to your juice-based drink or other alcoholic drink, especially when making cocktails.
Where to Buy Dry Ice?
You can get it from your nearby grocery store. If it's kept in a bag, grab it by the top to avoid touching the ice, or put on a pair of latex gloves. Remember that the ice will completely evaporate in 24 hours, so you must buy it as close to the time of preparing your drink as possible - maybe a few hours before the party.
Do not put dry ice in the fridge or freezer like regular ice; it is cold and doesn't need more chilling. Keep it in an empty chest without a lid and ensure your kids or pets can't reach it.
What Do You Need to Handle Dry Ice?
● Latex gloves
● Hammer
● Tongs
● Towel
Step #1: Wear your gloves
Step #2: Place the towel and put the bag on one part of it
Step #3: Carefully cut the bag open by a few inches
Step #4: Use the other part of the towel to cover the top
Step #5: Use the hammer to gently break chunks of dry ice (one chunk per drink should suffice)
The Takeaway
Dry ice is fun for cocktail theater. It's like adding special effects to your drinking session. However, safety is of utmost importance when handling dry ice. We hope this guide has been of great help and that you're prepared for your dramatic tequila cocktail experience.
Must Read: How to Make Sweet and Sour Mix for Cocktails?
- View: 86
- Categories: News
